Final answer:
The American public's interest in the marijuana menace grew following propaganda and rumors in the early 1900s, leading to its prohibition. Over time, with changing perceptions and awareness of injustices, there's been a shift towards decriminalization and legalization across states.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American public began to take an interest in the new drug menace known as marijuana after an influx of immigrants from Mexico, and as rumors about the substance's link to violence and immorality began to circulate. The notion of the “Marijuana Menace” was propagated by police, newspapers, lawmakers, and propaganda films like “Reefer Madness,” painting it as a dangerous substance especially to America's youth. Following these events, state after state began to pass laws prohibiting marijuana use, culminating in a federal ban in 1937. Over time, however, the societal views on marijuana began to shift as people gained a more informed understanding of its effects, awareness of disproportionate racial punishments, and the potential benefits of the substance. This has led to a recent trend toward decriminalization and legalization of marijuana across various states.